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Original Coach Has Some Say Again

October 29, 2004|By Tim Povtak, Sentinel Staff Writer

There is a new team on the court. And a new/old voice on the sideline.

Matt Guokas -- the original coach of the Orlando Magic -- returns this season to be the team's television analyst, joining veteran play-by-play man David Steele.

Guokas is replacing popular Jack Givens, who held the position for the previous 15 seasons but was given a leave of absence pending the outcome of a sexual molestation charge against him.

"I wasn't happy about the circumstances, but I'm grateful for this opportunity,'' Guokas said. "Sometimes that's how things happen in this business, being at the right place at the right time.''

Guokas left the Magic in 1993 after four seasons, and he never returned to NBA coaching, quickly taking a liking to the world of television.

He spent eight seasons with NBC doing NBA telecasts. That period overlapped with the past eight years as an analyst for Fox Sports Net's broadcasts of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

He ended his relationship with Fox after last season, not sure where his next job would be -- or if there even would be one. When the Magic called this summer, the timing was perfect, making him the natural choice as a replacement for Givens.

Except for two years when he moved to Chicago -- to help his daughter pursue her volleyball aspirations -- Guokas has lived in Seminole County since he became the Magic coach in 1989.

Now instead of commuting to Cleveland for 42 games a year, he just rides up Interstate 4 to the TD Waterhouse Centre for work. His trips to the airport are to catch the Magic team plane for road games instead of taking trips to Cleveland.

Guokas won an NBA title as a player with the Philadelphia 76ers. He was the first coach Shaquille O'Neal had in the NBA -- when the Magic improved by 20 victories in the 1992-93 season.

"That seems like so long ago,'' he said. "But it's really great to be back.''